August 12, 2022
Hi Wes,
Many thanks for your inquiry, we would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs!
Epic Golf Travel was founded over 25 years ago and our company partners are PGA Professionals who have over 75 years of golf industry and travel experience. We are members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), the leading international golf tourism organization, as well as the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
At Epic Golf Travel, our motto, “The Best Golf Vacations on the Planet”, is our sincere promise to you to deliver an exceptional golf travel experience... every trip you take and every time you take one.
To this end, we spend more hours planning and executing your trip than any other golf tour company in the industry. For those who seek a genuine interest in their golf experience and fanatical attention to detail, we believe you’ll appreciate our absolute commitment to you and your golf travel plans.
The attached schedule is based on 2 golfers traveling and includes 13 nights double accommodations, 6 rounds of golf, an automatic self-drive SUV for the entirety of your trip, a full breakfast each morning while in Ireland and numerous other inclusions listed below.
Your suggested lodging in St Andrews is a villa in the center of town. Any villa we book for you would be in town and within easy walking distance of the first tee of The Old Course as well as all pubs, restaurants, shopping and sights in St Andrews.
Your suggested lodging in Ireland is The Dylan Hotel in Dublin. The Dylan is a boutique 5 Star hotel located in the city and within walking distance of almost everything.
Your suggested golf has you playing 6 rounds while in Scotland and Ireland. Your courses include Crail Balcomie GL, Dumbarnie GL and Golf House Club Elie while in Scotland. While in Ireland, you'll play Royal Dublin GC, The Island GC and County Louth Golf Club. More information on both your lodging and golf courses may be found below.
For your transportation, I have included an automatic, self-drive, 5-passenger rental vehicle. You will pick it up and drop it off at the Edinburgh International Airport.
Here is your suggested itinerary, it may be modified to best suite your individual needs:
7/21: Arrive Edinburgh Airport / Pick up rental car / Check-in to your St Andrews villa
7/22: Play Crail Balcomie Golf Links
7/23: Off day to sightsee
7/24: Play Dumbarnie Golf Links
7/25: Off day to sightsee
7/26: Play Golf House Club Elie
7/27: Check out of villa / Take ferry to Belfast, Ireland / Check in to Dylan Hotel, Dublin
7/28: Off day to sightsee
7/29: Play golf at Royal Dublin Golf Club
7/30: Off day to sightsee
7/31: Play golf at The Island Club
8/01: Play golf at County Louth Golf Club
8/02: Take ferry from Belfast to Scotland / Drive to Edinburgh / Check in to Airport Marriott Hotel
8/03: Return rental car / Depart Scotland for home
Our prices INCLUDE ALL TAXES AND ANY RESORT OR LODGING FEES, there are no hidden costs of any kind.
Your monies are 100% 
protected from any Coronavirus related issues. Your trip can be rescheduled with no penalty should there be any governmental closures, delays or travel bans specific to COVID-19.
When you're ready to book, you can simply click on the "Ready to Book" button contained herein and it will walk you through the process of making your deposit and other payments.
I look forward to your thoughts and please reach out with your questions or comments.
Kind regards,
| YOUR TRIP SUMMARY | |
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| DATES: | July 21, 2023 - August 3, 2023 |
| # GOLFERS: | 2 Golfers |
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DAYS/NIGHTS ROUNDS: |
14 Days / 13 Nights / 6 Rounds |
| GOLF: | 6 rounds of golf with prepaid greens fees. See courses below. |
| LODGING: | 13 nights lodging in double guest rooms at the lodgings listed below |
| TRANSPORT: | Self-drive automatic 5-passenger rental vehicle |
| FOOD & BEVERAGE | A full breakfast is included each morning while in Ireland |
| PRICE: | $4,875.00 USD per person |
| DEPOSIT: | $1,225.00 USD per person |
| TERMS: | Your monies are protected from any Coronavirus related issues. Your trip may be rescheduled, typically without penalty, should there be any governmental closures, delays or travel bans specific to COVID-19. Please see our Terms of Use for full details. |
In order to secure all aspects of your golf trip the deposit reflected above is required, with an additional 25% payment due 120 days prior to travel. The balance is due 60 days prior to travel.
In order to secure all aspects of your golf trip the deposit reflected above is required, with an additional 25% payment due 120 days prior to travel. The balance is due 60 days prior to travel.
| YOUR TRIP INCLUDES | |
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6 rounds of golf with prepaid greens fees. See courses below. |
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13 nights lodging in double guest rooms at the lodgings listed below |
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Full use of all practice facilities at all golf courses |
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Full Scottish or Irish breakfast each morning |
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Self-drive automatic 5-passenger rental vehicle |
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Destination Travel Pack with useful information on traveling to the UK and areas visited on your tour |
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All Lodging and Golf Course Surcharges & All Taxes |
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Full Services of Epic Golf Travel Personnel before, during and after your trip including a web portal for individual online deposit and balance payments, arranging all golf, room, caddie and dinner reservations, rental car requests & airport transfer requests |
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Epic Golf Travel 24/7 Golf Concierge |
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Automatic Membership into our Epic Plus Program |
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Our Gold Star Service Pledge |
Each golf may make their trip payments individually.
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Caddie Fees
Gratuities
Any golf or lodging not listed above
Any food & beverage not listed above
Any trip incidentals
WHY EPIC GOLF TRAVEL?
WE'VE BEEN THERE
We have real-world experience with every location and golf course we offer. We use our personal journeys to help create your custom trip.
THE EPIC TEAM
PGA Professionals, travel industry veterans and golf travel experts at our locations add up to a perfect blend of local knowledge and expertise.
THE TRIP PUZZLE
Fitting the pieces of your golf trip puzzle together is sometimes hard work. We make it easy by doing it for you so you just enjoy the ride.
99.4%
of our clients would travel with us again
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GOLF COURSES
GOLF COURSES
DUMBARNIE LINKS
Other than Pebble Beach, there are few world-class courses able to offer such an expanse of beach and water frontage as that we have been blessed with at Dumbarnie Links. This rare piece of land has a mile and a half of sea frontage with panoramic views over the Firth of Forth.
At first glance Dumbarnie Links may have the appearance of the classic links courses where The Open Championship has been played since 1860. However, the 345 acre site is particularly special. Its dual elevations have provided the opportunity to create a number of elevated tees where holes play directly towards panoramic views of the Firth of Forth. Fourteen of the holes have views of the Bay and the Firth of Forth. The clubhouse will be situated 100-feet above sea level with spectacular sweeping views across the golf course and the Bay.
CRAIL BALCOMIE LINKS
Ranked #74 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland
One of the world's oldest golf clubs, Crail Golfing Society was founded in February 1786 and initially comprised membership of 11 local golfers. The club's original home was located at Sauchope just outside the picturesque fishing village of Crail and it was not until 1895, with the help of Old Tom Morris did they relocate to their present home at Balcomie Golf Links.
The Balcomie Links at Crail, though not particularly long, is a truly beautiful venue with superb views of the North Sea from every tee. Far removed from the bustle of everyday life, many holes climb and tumble alongside the water's edge and the rocky outcrops of the Forth shore. A truly memorable round and one not to miss.
GOLF HOUSE CLUB ELIE
Ranked #43 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland
Elie is one of the most highly regarded courses in Scotland and the historic links terrain effortlessly combines undulating fairways with large, fast and firm greens.
It also has some sensational views for golfers to enjoy and these play an important part in creating what is one of the most wonderful golfing experiences not just in Fife, but also in Scotland.
At 6,273 yards the course is not long, but its network of bunkers are beautifully placed to catch those that stray offline or misjudge their distances. This can be all too easy to do, especially as the prevailing south westerly breeze slackens or stiffens during the course of a round.
Elie’s quick and contoured greens add a further layer of protection and the manicured putting surfaces rank comfortably alongside the best in the country.
The course has hosted the British Seniors Championship, the Scottish Professionals Championship, the Scottish Ladies Championship and qualifying rounds for the Open Championship.
ROYAL DUBLIN GOLF CLUB
Ranked #27 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland
The Dublin Golf Club, as it was originally called, was founded in 1885. The club moved twice before the course finally came to rest on Bull Island in 1889. Two years later, Queen Victoria granted the club royal patronage. The course was severely damaged during the First World War and was rebuilt by Harry Colt in 1920.
This is a classic traditional out and back links, relatively unusual for an Irish links. The course is fairly flat and narrow with long stretches of out of bounds, and the wind tends to swirl around Dublin Bay, generally making the course play tougher than the yardage would indicate. The greens are outstanding and there are some brutally deep greenside bunkers as well.
Martin Hawtree was engaged in course redevelopment work between 2004-2006 and Royal Dublin has improved as a consequence. Today's championship layout stretches to an impressive 7,269 yards from the tips and has hosted numerous Irish Open Championships, with Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer among the winners here at Royal Dublin.
COUNTY LOUTH GOLF CLUB (BALTRAY)
Ranked #11 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland
Founded in 1892, County Louth Golf Club, or Baltray as it is more commonly known, has established itself as one of Ireland’s finest links courses. Winner of the 2017 IAGTO Links course of the year and host of two Irish Opens, the course stands as a par 72 and measures 7,031 yards from the Championship tees.
Baltray is one of Ireland's great secrets, this is a course that has remained relatively anonymous, except to those in the know. County Louth Golf Club was established in 1892 but Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay designed the present course in 1938. Baltray has no weak holes. The course is laid out in two loops, and most holes run in different directions. However, the greens are County Louth’s hallmark – they are among the very best in the whole of Ireland. If you can avoid three putting for 18 holes, then you have the right to claim you’re a great putter.The back nine is especially entertaining with a number of holes running close to the shore with distant views towards the Mountains of Mourne.
THE ISLAND CLUB
Ranked #8 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland
The Island Club in Ireland was once on an island. It’s now attached to the mainland but it’s still an isolated peninsula-like spur of links land, sandwiched between the Irish Sea, the beach of Donabate and the Broadmeadow estuary.
Few people know about The Island Golf Club, despite the fact that the course is over 100 years old and has featured in numerous ranking tables over the years. One leading golf magazine once commented: “The best course in Ireland you have never heard of. Play it and tell no-one.”
This is a no-frills golf course. There is nothing artificial, it’s simply harmonious and in tune with its surroundings. Some of the most shaggy, rugged and looming sand dunes imaginable provide natural and distinct amphitheaters for many of the holes. In the summer, if you are unfortunate and wayward enough to find the dunes, be careful to avoid trampling on the wild dune flowers.
LODGING
LODGING
ST ANDREWS TOWN VACATION FLATS & HOMES
There are a great number of villas, flats and single family homes in St Andrews center as well as near the downtown area.
The units can house up to 8 - 10 golfers in one villa and we can locate villas very close to each other for larger groups.
Each has been meticulously updated, with multiple bathrooms, full kitchens, large sitting areas with cable TV and bedrooms with either 2 twin beds or 1 king bed.
When in town, you can walk to the first tee of The Old Course in a matter of minutes. Town itself, with its' restaurants, pubs, shopping and sights is just a few minutes walk to anywhere.
There is no better way to experience St Andrews than by staying directly in town in a wonderful villa.
DYLAN HOTEL DUBLIN
Historic 5 Star boutique hotel located in Irelands capital city
The Dylan Hotel is just off Baggot Street in Dublin’s south city centre. This historic hotel was once home to the nurses of the Royal City of Dublin Hospital and is now Dublins only five star boutique hotel. Located in a quiet and leafy neighborhood The Dylan is only minutes from the main sights and attractions of Dublin.
Each of the 72 guest rooms have been individually styled with a mix of whimsical decor... artistic headboards, intricate mirrors, statement chairs and classic pieces.
In the rooms, there are flat-screen TVs, iPod docks (with iPods loaded with historical Dublin walking tours), stocked minibars, and bathrooms with underfloor heating. Amenities in the hotel include a fitness room, a cozy bar, heated outdoor terrace, excellent restaurant, and 24-hour room service. In addition to its character and sleek style, the Dylan is well known for its excellent service.
TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION
SELF DRIVE 5-PASSENGER AUTOMATIC VEHICLE
This 5-passenger vehicle has enough room for 2 golfers, their clubs and luggage. It has 5 doors, air conditioning, automatic transmission, stereo, bluetooth and comes with unlimited mileage unless stated otherwise in your proposal.
For those that don't mind driving on the left, it is by far the most economical way to travel in the UK.
Models vary by location and travel dates.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
THINGS TO SEE & DO
BALMORAL CASTLE, HOME TO THE QUEEN
The royal family is nothing if not consistent. At the end of every summer, Queen Elizabeth II makes her annual pilgrimage north to Scotland for a multiple week-long holiday at Balmoral Castle.
The first home at Balmoral was reportedly built in 1390, but the property didn't enter into the British royal family until 1852, when Prince Albert purchased the estate as a gift for his wife, Queen Victoria, who loved the Scottish countryside. However, when the residence was deemed too small, the royal couple built an additional castle—the one that still exists today—to fit their growing family. The new structure was completed in 1856, and the other building was torn down. Now, the 50,000-acre estate features 150 buildings in total.
In more modern royal history, Balmoral served as the destination for Prince Charles and Princess Diana's less-than-romantic honeymoon. It's also where Prince Harry and Prince William learned of their mother's tragic death in 1997.
DUNNOTTAR CASTLE, ABERDEEN
If you had to pick just one castle in all of Scotland to trust with your life in a time of great danger then it would without any doubt be Dunnottar Castle. No other Scottish castle comes close in terms of a sense of sheer brooding impregnability. This is a castle which looks across to the nearby coastal cliffs and sea and whose presence, even today, conveys a very simply message: "You are not welcome."
The outcrop of rock on which Dunnottar Castle stands might have been designed specifically to permit the building of the most impregnable fortress in Scotland. Sheer cliffs 160ft high almost completely surround a flat area over three acres in size. The rock was once joined by a narrow fin to the mainland, but even this was carved away to ensure access along it was not possible.
EDINBURGH CASTLE
Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence and as a military stronghold. The castle last saw military action in 1745 and from then until the 1920s it served as the British army's main base in Scotland. Today it is one of Scotland's most atmospheric and popular tourist attractions.
The brooding, black crags of Castle Rock, rising above the western end of Princes St, are the very reason for Edinburgh's existence. This rocky hill was the most easily defended hilltop on the invasion route between England and central Scotland, a route followed by countless armies from the Roman legions of the 1st and 2nd centuries AD to the Jacobite troops of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.
The Entrance Gateway, flanked by statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, opens to a cobbled lane that leads up beneath the 16th-century Portcullis Gate to the cannons ranged along the Argyle and Mills Mount Batteries. The battlements here have great views over the New Town to the Firth of Forth.
THE HIMALAYA'S PUTTING COURSE (ST ANDREWS LADIES' PUTTING CLUB)
A private club founded in 1867, the St Andrews Ladies' Putting Club course is open to the public daily from April to September (and in March and October, weather permitting).
Before 1860 the caddies of St Andrews had laid out a small putting area near where Rusacks Hotel now stands. They would play to pass the time while waiting for a bag. When the course was quiet a few young ladies would play.
There was some tension between the caddies and the ladies, so much so that it was decided a piece of ground be found where the ladies could play away from the caddies. There was an unused piece of ground to the north of the Swilcan Burn. The ground was rough with whins which were used by local washerwomen to dry clothes, and pitted with rabbit holes. A nine hole course was laid out by Old Tom Morris, requiring a cleek and a putter, and so the St Andrews Ladies’ Golf Club was formed in 1867.
The Himalayas lie between the famous Old Course and the spectacular West Sands, only a ten minute walk from the center of St Andrews.
THE BRITISH GOLF MUSEUM
From the 16th century to the present day, the whole history of the great game is explored at The British Golf Museum. Discover the equipment, personalities and prizes of our much loved sport. Brought to life with hands on activities, interactives and modern interpretation, this is a must see attraction.
Visit their new flagship exhibition space, 'The Open Gallery', exploring the rich history of golf's oldest Major. Also in the Museum there are two exciting temporary exhibitions on golfing greats Sir Henry Cotton and Freddie Tait. Please visit throughout the year for their program of weekly events and lecture series.
The museum is a 5 minute walk from the town centre and is situated directly opposite The Royal and Ancient Clubhouse. There is a large car park behind the museum, operated by Fife Council and a coach drop off point.
CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE
Scenic, dramatic and inspiring, the Causeway Coastal Route is a constant feature of global top tens and top fives when it comes to visitor experiences and bucket lists. Around every corner of this spectacular winding route you’ll find thrills and adventure, as well as peaceful retreats. The variety along the coastal route means there’s something for everyone and a multitude of ways you can see it.
The route runs north along the coast from Belfast and includes sweeping views of the sea, multiple castles, lighthouses, waterfalls, cliff walks, Game of Thrones locations, suspension bridges, tunnels, river gorges and the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
You'll head north along the east coast of Northern Ireland and then past Royal Portrush Golf Club and across the top northern coast of the country. This is perhaps one of the most inspiring and beautiful drives in the world.
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY
Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it.
The location is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was voted one of the Top 5 Greatest Natural Wonders of the UK. It is located in Northern Ireland close to Bushmills and Portrush.
Climb the Shepherd's Steps and hike along the clifftop trail to get a bird's eye view of the beautiful causeway coast. Or enjoy the road less travelled capturing the World Heritage Site on an active five-mile hike along the stunning cliff-top path with the guided Clifftop Experience.
You can also unlock the mystery and stories of the landscape in the exhibition area of the Visitor Center.
THE OLD JAMESON DISTILLERY
Another historical gem is the Old Jameson Distillery, located just off Smithfield Square. This location previously used to be the original site where Jameson whiskey was manufactured and distilled until it stopped production in the early 1970s.
Learn the story of John Jameson and his adventures in whiskey making on a guided tour of the Jameson Distillery. Since his brave first steps into the brewery building in 1780, the Jameson brand has been focused on its founder's ambition to create unforgettable experiences.
A tour of the old distillery will take you through the history and process of creating the refined whiskey, along with the unique opportunity to take part in a comparative whiskey-tasting experience. At the end of the tour, you will be given an exclusive Whiskey Taster Certificate to officially certify your knowledge in traditional Irish whiskey.
THE SEASIDE VILLAGE OF MALAHIDE
The town of Malahide is situated just outside of Dublin city proper and is surrounded by countryside, the broad meadow estuary and the Irish Sea. The town has won numerous Irish Tidy Towns Awards and is a modern village with a traditional Irish feel.
This picturesque seaside village enjoys a blend of contemporary chic and old-school Irish charm that is as unique as it is captivating.
Malahide has acquired a reputation as the gourmet capital of the East Coast of Ireland and the village boasts a wide array of retail destinations and services including fashion boutiques, hair and beauty salons, florists, restaurants, cafes and two small shopping centers. Traditional shopfronts and several cobble-lock side streets give the village an intimate and welcoming feel.
THE GUINNESS STOREHOUSE FACTORY
Located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Ireland. In fact, the interior is designed to look exactly like a pint of Guinness itself and is known to be the largest pint in the world.
A ticket to the Guinness factory (roughly €18) will take you on a tour through seven floors of Irish brewing history, where you will learn all about the Guinness family, as well as how the beloved stout beer is meticulously crafted to perfection. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor, where you can enjoy a refreshing pint of Guinness with a 360 degree view of the Dublin skyline.
DUBLIN CASTLE
Erected in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government.
With over 800 years of Irish memories encapsulated within its walls, this incredible structure has borne witness to some of the most pivotal events in all of the country’s history.
Spanning an area of over 11 acres, the Castle stands proudly on the highest ridge in the locality and offers self-guided and guided tours of the grounds, including the Castle’s many rooms, gardens and museums such as the Chapel Royal, the Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Museum and the Revenue Museum.
ST. PATRICKS CATHEDRAL
Ireland's largest church and the final resting place of Jonathan Swift, St Patrick's stands on the spot where St Patrick himself reputedly baptised the local Celtic chieftains in the 5th century. Fiction or not, it's a sacred bit of turf upon which this cathedral was built between 1191 and 1270.
As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years.
Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patricks Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. The Cathedral is today the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and is the largest church in Ireland. The adjacent park is a nice respite in the city if you fancy a coffee or picnic break.
GRAFTON STREET, DUBLIN
A bit like Dublin city itself, Grafton Street presents something of an enigma to visitors. In other major capitals, people gather along grand boulevards to shop, lunch, drink and eat. In Dublin, locals head to Grafton Street, a narrow winding road that’s been at the heart of the city’s social life for more than a century.
Grafton Street is home to all varieties of shops, both locally owned and national brands. It's also home to countless restaurants, cafes and pubs. And, most famously, Grafton Street is home to the many buskers that entertain visitors with a variety of music, magic and street performances.
Entering from Stephen’s Green in the south, Grafton Street meanders by a series of street-level shops, twisting and turning, before sloping down to the broad sweep of College Green and the grand entrance to Trinity College.
On a busy Saturday afternoon it can be hard work negotiating a path from one end of the street to the other, so dense are the crowds strolling about or gathered around the multiple street entertainers.
COMMITTED TO THE PERFECT TRIP
A COMPANY OF GOLFERS
We've traveled the world playing golf. We think just like you do, making us the perfect golf planning partner.
BESPOKE GOLF EXPERIENCES
We offer the finest resorts and golf courses in the world and customize each and every trip.
OUR SERVICE PROMISE
Our partners have been providing the highest level of service to their golf clientele for decades.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
You deserve a trip that is planned and executed perfectly, providing you with memories that last a lifetime.
CLUB SHIPPING WITH SHIP STICKS
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BOOKING PROCESS
In order to secure all aspects of your golf trip the deposit reflected above is required, with an additional 25% payment due 120 days prior to travel. The balance is due 60 days prior to travel.